How to Keep Your Feet Safe in Floodwater, One Simple Habit (Video)

Transcript

Three days to spot infection? Here's why.

Three days to spot infection? Here's why.

Foot Safety in Floodwater

Learn quick foot-care steps that keep you safe in floodwater.

Foot protection rule

Before you step into any floodwater, cover every cut, cracked heel or blister with a waterproof plaster, put on closed boots that seal your feet, and plan to wash and dry them as soon as you’re out. Also keep a dry spare pair in a sealed bag for later.

Watch wound for

Keep an eye on any wound for three days; if redness spreads, see a doctor quickly.

Why floodwater hurts

Floodwater isn’t just rain; it carries sewage, soil, animal waste and debris, softening skin so it tears easily and letting germs slip in through cuts.

Boots to wear

The best protection is a pair of gumboots that stay above the water line; closed rubber shoes are the next option, but never wear chappals or go barefoot.

Air feet before socks

After washing, let your feet air-dry for fifteen to twenty minutes before putting on dry socks or open footwear.

After walk routine

When you finish wading, scrub your feet and lower with clean, preferably boiled, water and soap, dry every toe carefully, then air them for fifteen to twenty minutes before slipping on dry socks.

First aid & doctor signs

For a small cut, rinse it under running water, wash around it with soap, press a clean cloth for ten minutes to stop bleeding, then cover with a clean dressing. See a doctor if redness spreads, pus appears, fever develops, or the wound is deep or keeps bleeding.

The one habit to remember

The single most effective habit is to always protect every cut with a waterproof plaster before you step into any floodwater.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.